A synthetic rubber is an artificial elastomer. They are polymers synthesized from petroleum byproducts.
An elastomer is a material with the mechanical property that it can undergo much more elastic deformation under stress than most materials and still return to its previous size without permanent deformation. Synthetic rubber serves as a substitute for natural rubber in many cases, especially when improved material properties are required.
Uses of Synthetic Rubber
- Synthetic rubber is preferred over natural rubber for some uses if the price difference is not too great.
- The transport industry is the largest user of rubber for the production of tires.
- Rubber is used by the construction industry in elevator belts, hoses, tubes, seismic bearings etc.
- Industries which produce consumer goods use rubber to make good footwear, erasers and sports, etc.
